These websites can serve as a connection hub for your classroom. They are designed to have multiple users interact through text and in some cases video.
Video Based Collaborative Environments
The below sites are designed primarily around hosting video and other multimedia. Text and community tools may be available but are not the focus of the sites.
Upload content, post comments and create communities
Email Use:
Required for log-in account creation
Paid Option:
N/A
Comparison:
Allows for upload and broadcast for a wide variety of media,
active community director, limited privacy settings
Description:
User can upload video, audio, documents and presentations or
use a webcam to record directly to the website. Content can
be tagged with key words and commented on or featured.
Users can also be followed, highlighting their contributions
Uses:
User could create a community specific to a class and upload
student work or treat it as a turn-in box.
All content must be approved by school level or site level
administrator, little to no advertising, not too easy to find
content without specific search terms, pre-set comments
Description:
User can upload video. Videos can be tagged with key words.
Users can leave pre-written comments on videos.
Uses:
User could create an assignment that is turned in online or
treat the site as an online video portfolio
Allows a variety of content to be uploaded, large community,
flexible privacy settings and group building, many ads,
significant amounts of spam in comments and uploads
Description:
User can upload video, audio, documents and presentations.
Content can be tagged with key words and commented on or
featured.Users can also create groups where multiple users
can upload specific content.
Uses:
User could create a group specific to a class and upload
student work or treat it as a turn-in box.
Very easy to use, streamlined, Highest quality content easily
accessible, can automatically create a screen recording,
not designed for works in progress
Description:
User can upload video, audio, documents and presentations or
use a webcam to record directly to the website. Content is
organized by subject in packets, which can be edited and
commented on by other users. Users can also create
groups where multiple users can learn about or create packets.
Uses:
User could create a group specific to a class and have students
self teach based on the subject area packets, as well as add to
packets where appropriate.
Static Text Based Collaborative Environments
These sites are designed to be static pages which are edited by one user at a time and encourage interaction asynchronously through comments.
Wikispaces Example Wikispace: [This website is a Wikispace]
Create and edit personal wikispaces (Education accounts can
create student accounts without email addresses)
Email Use:
Required for regular log-in account creation
Paid Option:
Additional storage and upload limits
Comparison:
Straight forward editing interface, preview of edited site while
editing, limited customization options, only top-level page
creation
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Edit, create websites (Education accounts can create student
accounts without email addresses)
Email Use:
Required for regular log-in account creation
Paid Option:
Additional storage, faster tech support
Comparison:
Similar tools and layout to wikispaces, preview of site while
editing, pre-made classroom template available
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Required for log-in account (allows users to make a gmail
account if no email address exists)
Paid Option:
N/A
Comparison:
Very easy to use, flexible tools for uploading multimedia,
limited site layout options, embedding flash can be difficult
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Required for site creation and upkeep (but free for educators).
Once bought, 150 users can edit the site for free.
Comparison:
Users given personal page in addition to editing pages, social
network interactions such as "likes" and replies structural to
site, can be difficult to navigate as an editor.
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Required for teacher log-in account (student account does not
require an email address)
Paid Option:
N/A
Comparison:
Similar layout to Facebook, strong privacy settings, designed
specifically for classroom use with pre-made "students" and
"assignments" tabs
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can enable comments as well
as determine site accessability on a per user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Styled around a private collaborative space, not as easy to
navigate as similar sites
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can enable comments as well
as determine site accessability on a per user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Strict privacy and visibility settings, required excessive
personal information for account creation, designed specifically
for classroom type interactions
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Very easy to use, clear privacy settings, limited layout options
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
More difficult initally learn unless experienced with wordpress,
extended functionalities available with plug-ins, no easy way
to preview site changes while editing site
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
"Easy mode" for new users, wordpress style tools (can't view
site as it is being editied), limited customization
Description:
User can create a website and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with a sub-page for
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Dynamic Text Based Collaborative Environments
These sites are designed to allow multiple users commenting at once, similar to a chat room.
View, edit, and create pages and invite others to edit pages
Email Use:
Required for log-in account (allows users to make a gmail
account if no email address exists)
Paid Option:
N/A
Comparison:
Very easy to use, allows uploads from Office formats (.doc, .ppt
.xls, etc), strong privacy settings, home screen can be difficult
to sort, not designed as a public webspace (published pages
given a long string URL).
Description:
User can create a document and populate the page with online
and personal multimedia. User can create shared folders on
the home screen to allow other users to "hand in" assignments.
Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The page
can be published to the web and function as a website
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with links for sub-pages
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page
Very easy to make and share, straightforward controls, allows
uploads from text formats (.doc, .rtf, etc. formatting not always
preserved), limited general formatting options, limited privacy
settings
Description:
User can create a document and populate the page with text and
links. Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with links for sub-pages
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page
Required for log-in account creation (allows users to make a
hotmail account if no email address exists)
Paid Option:
Buying Office 2010 adds additional formatting and offline
support
Comparison:
User can setup a local folder or Office 2010 to automatically
sync with skydrive, preserves formatting when Office files
(.doc, .ppt, .xls etc.) are uploaded and downloaded (though not
when they are edited online), manual save and sync required,
web version has trouble merging changes when multiple users
are editing simultaneously.
Description:
User can create a document and populate the page with text and
links. Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with links for sub-pages
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page
Very easy to create an initial page, supports upload of many
Office formats (.doc, .ppt, .xls etc.), variety of sharing settings,
limited editing functionality, not designed to be a host for a
website
Description:
User can create a document and populate the page with text and
links. Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with links for sub-pages
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page
In browser, toolbar plug-in optional, Download (iPhone or Android)
Anonymous User:
View published Diigo groups
Logged-in User:
Create, edit and view private Diigo groups
Email Use:
Required for regular log-in (Education packages can pre-make
student accounts without email addresses)
Paid Option:
Additional highlighting and support available, ad free
Comparison:
Emphasis on compiling web resources, structured similarly to
a message board, limited formatting options, can be slow to
respond
Description:
User can create a group and add text as well as bookmarked
web resources that other members can read and comment on.
Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with links for sub-pages
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center
View, create, and add to a public virtual bulletin board
Logged-in User:
View, create and add to a private virtual bulletin board
Email Use:
Email address required for log-in account creation
Paid Option:
N/A
Comparison:
Easy to initially create, very flexible layout, difficult to orginize
when filled with information, can become messy easily
Description:
Through clicking to add virtual sticky notes, users generate a
virtual bulletin board full of different sized text and images.
Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
Uses:
User could create a classroom website with links for sub-pages
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page
Video Based Collaborative Environments
The below sites are designed primarily around hosting video and other multimedia. Text and community tools may be available but are not the focus of the sites.Klablab
active community director, limited privacy settings
use a webcam to record directly to the website. Content can
be tagged with key words and commented on or featured.
Users can also be followed, highlighting their contributions
student work or treat it as a turn-in box.
School Tube
administrator, little to no advertising, not too easy to find
content without specific search terms, pre-set comments
Users can leave pre-written comments on videos.
treat the site as an online video portfolio
Teacher Tube
flexible privacy settings and group building, many ads,
significant amounts of spam in comments and uploads
Content can be tagged with key words and commented on or
featured.Users can also create groups where multiple users
can upload specific content.
student work or treat it as a turn-in box.
Sophia.org
accessible, can automatically create a screen recording,
not designed for works in progress
use a webcam to record directly to the website. Content is
organized by subject in packets, which can be edited and
commented on by other users. Users can also create
groups where multiple users can learn about or create packets.
self teach based on the subject area packets, as well as add to
packets where appropriate.
Static Text Based Collaborative Environments
These sites are designed to be static pages which are edited by one user at a time and encourage interaction asynchronously through comments.Wikispaces
Example Wikispace: [This website is a Wikispace]
create student accounts without email addresses)
editing, limited customization options, only top-level page
creation
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
PBworks
Example PBworks space: http://bcpslibraryinformationservices.pbworks.com/w/page/12773122/pbworks
accounts without email addresses)
editing, pre-made classroom template available
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Google Sites
Example Google Site: http://sites.google.com/site/uconnsamplewebquest
account if no email address exists)
limited site layout options, embedding flash can be difficult
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Ning
Example Ning: http://www.classroom20.com/
Once bought, 150 users can edit the site for free.
network interactions such as "likes" and replies structural to
site, can be difficult to navigate as an editor.
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Edmodo
Example Edmodo: http://www.edmodo.com/publisher?uid=1118481
require an email address)
specifically for classroom use with pre-made "students" and
"assignments" tabs
and personal multimedia. User can enable comments as well
as determine site accessability on a per user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Diipo
navigate as similar sites
and personal multimedia. User can enable comments as well
as determine site accessability on a per user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Collaborize Classroom
personal information for account creation, designed specifically
for classroom type interactions
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Enter The Group
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Class Blog
Example Class Blog: http://mrsd5107.classblogs.us/
extended functionalities available with plug-ins, no easy way
to preview site changes while editing site
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
EduBlog
Example EduBlog: http://miketemple123.edublogs.org/
site as it is being editied), limited customization
and personal multimedia. User can change theme and enable
comments as well as determine site accessability on a per
user basis
different subjects or units or use it as a digital assignment
turn-in center
Dynamic Text Based Collaborative Environments
These sites are designed to allow multiple users commenting at once, similar to a chat room.Google Docs
account if no email address exists)
.xls, etc), strong privacy settings, home screen can be difficult
to sort, not designed as a public webspace (published pages
given a long string URL).
and personal multimedia. User can create shared folders on
the home screen to allow other users to "hand in" assignments.
Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The page
can be published to the web and function as a website
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page
Etherpad
uploads from text formats (.doc, .rtf, etc. formatting not always
preserved), limited general formatting options, limited privacy
settings
links. Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page
Windows Live Skydrive Documents (Office Web Apps)
hotmail account if no email address exists)
support
sync with skydrive, preserves formatting when Office files
(.doc, .ppt, .xls etc.) are uploaded and downloaded (though not
when they are edited online), manual save and sync required,
web version has trouble merging changes when multiple users
are editing simultaneously.
links. Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page
Crocodoc
Office formats (.doc, .ppt, .xls etc.), variety of sharing settings,
limited editing functionality, not designed to be a host for a
website
links. Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page
Diigo
Diigo V5: Collect and Highlight, Then Remember! from diigobuzz on Vimeo.
student accounts without email addresses)
a message board, limited formatting options, can be slow to
respond
web resources that other members can read and comment on.
Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center
Wallwisher
when filled with information, can become messy easily
virtual bulletin board full of different sized text and images.
Multiple users can add to the page simultaneously. The
page can be published to the public and function as a website
associated with different subjects or units, use it as a digital
assignment turn-in center or real-time class discussion page